The future of Elgin’s St Giles Church remains in doubt after its congregation voted against using it as a place of worship.
Yesterday’s poll comes amid mounting speculation that the Church of Scotland is preparing to sell off the B-listed landmark.
A group of churchgoers have set up a development trust to explore options for its future use, however Moray Council last week deferred a decision on a request to fund a £14,000 study into alternative uses for the venue.
Forres councillor George Alexander suggested that – if necessary – the building could be boarded up to provoke the community into running it independently.
Some members of the congregation had hoped that pledging to keep the church open for religious use would allow more time to secure the building’s future.
Last night St Giles minister, Reverend Steven Thomson, said: “Currently the Church of Scotland runs two church buildings in union in Elgin, St Columbas and St Giles – and parishioners are free to use either venue.
“The congregation voted to say it did not want to change any details of the union, and St Columbas will remain our primary place of worship.
“In a sense, if worship is conducted entirely at St Columbas Church then that would clear the field for the future development of St Giles. I don’t think that has been entirely grasped by some parties.
“But at the end of the day, the decision making process lies with the church session. And if there isn’t enough money to keep St Giles open then whether or not it’s used for worship won’t affect any decision to sell it.”
Last week a Church of Scotland spokeswoman said no decision had been made on whether or not to put St Giles on the market, but admitted there were “concerns” over how much longer it could be maintained.
She said: “As a Category B listed building it is in everyone’s interest to make sure it is maintained for future generations to enjoy.
“Sensibly, the congregation is exploring a variety of solutions that will ensure the building can continue to be a valuable community resource.”
The St Giles Development Group has been set up to safeguard the building for future use in the community.